[Saliva as a main component of oral cavity ecosystem. Part II. Defense mechanisms]. / Slina jako glówny skladnik ekosystemu jamy ustnej. Czesc II. Mechanizmy odpornosciowe.

Human saliva not only lubricates the oral cavity, making possible functions such as swallowing and speaking, but it also helps to maintain integrity of the hard tissues of the teeth. In addition to secretory immunoglobulins saliva contains several less specific antibacterial systems. This innate defense system includes: lysozyme, lactoferrin, peroxidase system, histatins, mucins, and other polypeptides with basic side chains. Some proteins of innate defense system have bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects; some can cause aggregation of oral bacteria resulting in their increased clearance from oral cavity.

Identification of in vivo pellicle constituents by analysis of serum immune responses.

Human acquired enamel pellicle is composed of molecules that selectively adsorb from saliva onto tooth surfaces and provides a protective interface between the tooth enamel and the oral environment. To identify the micro-amounts of components present in pellicle, we immunized mice with in vivo-formed human acquired enamel pellicle and analyzed the serum immune responses. Selective reactivities of the serum (OD > 1.0 above background) against albumin, amylase, carbonic anhydrase II, sIgA, IgG, IgM, lactoferrin, lysozyme, proline-rich proteins, statherin, histatin 1, and mucous glycoprotein 1 were observed. We further confirmed the presence of proline-rich proteins, lactoferrin, lysozyme, and carbonic anhydrase II by probing in vivo pellicle with specific polyclonal anti-sera. The polyclonal antibody approach provided a powerful method for the identification of various pellicle proteins, including some which show mineral homeostasis or antimicrobial activity.

[The role of saliva in the oral defence mechanisms]. / A nyál szerepe a szájüregi védelmi mechanizmusokban (irodalmi attekintés).

Saliva plays an important role in oral health, regulating and maintaining the integrity of the oral hard tissues and soft tissues. This paper reviews the role of saliva in the oral defence mechanisms. The most important salivary immune and non-immune defence proteins and constituents that take part in the pellicle formation and re-mineralisation processes are introduced. General health conditions, medications and salivary gland disorders influencing the defence potential of the saliva are discussed. Treatment possibilities of such conditions, and the future perspective of saliva research is also presented.